1956 Pontiac Full Size Cars Fact Sheet

Small Changes Only –
in Anticipation of the 1957 Pontiacs

 

Revised Pontiac styling for 1956 featured combination bumper and grille with enclosed circular parking lights and round, turbine intake-type bumper guards.

 

Return to the Pontiac Archive

General Year Information

New Pontiac styling for 1956 featured combination bumper grilles with enclosed circular parking lights and round, bomb-type bumper guards. All models had reversed, vertically-slanting, slash accent moldings and an upper body ‘Sweepspear’ as body rub trim.

On Chieftains the slash accents were of constant width. There were oval embossments with reflectors on the rear fenders with gull-wing and circular medallions on the deck lid. Special-level Chieftain 860s lacked upper belt moldings, wore small hub caps, and had plain tail light rings.

Chieftain 860 Wagons had distinctive rear ventipanes. The 2-door 860 Chieftain wagon was called the “Colony Wagon” in some promotional materials. The term “Catalina” was used to denote pillarless two-door or four-door hardtop styling for 1956. Two-doors hardtops were “Catalina Coupes” and four-doors hardtops were “Catalina Sedans”.

Model year production peaked at 405,429 units, a decrease of 148,677 from 1955 but still better than 1954.

Historical Footnote:

In March 1956, an “Extra Horsepower” V-8 was released, with 10.0:1 compression cylinder heads, dual four-barrel Rochester carburetors, and a high-lift, long duration camshaft. It is estimated that 200 cars were equipped with this motor.

 

Models Offered

Click the Tab to See the Details

Series 56-27.  Chieftain 860s did not receive upper belt moldings, were fitted with small hub caps, and had plain taillight rings. Chieftain 870 models, with the exception of station wagons, had taillight rings with visors, full wheel discs, and upper belt line trim. The two-door Custom Safari was continued as a Star Chief model; however, it was still on the Chieftain chassis, now with the base four-barrel Star Chief engine.

An 860 level Catalina Hardtop Coupe was new. And the four-door hardtop was available as both 860 and 870 models and designated as Catalina Sedans. In some factory literature, Chieftain 870s were called “Super Chiefs.”

Series 57-28.  All 1956 Star Chiefs were distinguished by tapered diagonal accent slash moldings on front doors and three stylized star emblems on front fenders and doors. Convertibles and Catalina hardtops had wide, fluted lower rear fender extensions.

The Custom Catalina sedan was retained, and it had stainless steel window surround moldings. All Custom Star Chiefs used hooded taillight rings. Interiors could be had in all leather or leather and nylon fabric.

Series 56-27. All wagons were on the Series 27, 122.0″ wheelbase chassis. Only the Star Chief wagon was called “Safari”.  This model featured the Star Chief Custom interior with a choice of all leather or leather and nylon. The Safari, though considered a Star Chief, also sat on the shorter 122.0″ wheelbase.

The other wagons were in the 870 and 860 lines, with the 870 wagon a 4-door. It was trimmed as all other 870 series models.  The 860 Series wagons came in two- and four-door models and were trimmed similar to the 860 line. The four-door had available 9-passenger seating.

Engines

Click the Tab to See the Details

EARLY 860-870 Economy V-8 – Manual Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 287.2 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.750″ x 3.250″. Compression ratio: 7.4:1. Horsepower: 173 @ 4400. Torque: 260 @ 2400 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.327″. Carburetor: Carter WGD two-barrel Model 2182S, 2182SA, 2182SB, 2207S, or 2207SB.

860-870 Economy V-8 – Manual Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 316.6 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.25″. Compression ratio: 7.9:1. Horsepower: 192 @ 4400. Torque: 297 @ 2400 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7008696.

860-870 V-8 – Hydra-matic Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 316.6 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.25″. Compression ratio: 8.9:1. Horsepower: 205 @ 4800. Torque: 394 @ 2600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 280°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7008695.

Star Chief and  Safari Economy V-8 – Standard Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 316.6 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.25″. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 216 @ 4800. Torque: 315 @ 2800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters.  Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Carter WCFB 2364S.

Star Chief & Safari V-8 – Hydra-matic Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 316.6 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.25″. Compression ratio: 8.9:1. Horsepower: 227 @ 4800. Torque: 359 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake  280°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″.  Carburetor: Carter WCFB four-barrel Model 2364S or Rochester Model 7008697. 

NOTE: This engine was later optional on all 860-870 Chieftains, including wagons.

Optional “Extra Horsepower” V-8 – Available All Models. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 316.6 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.25″. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 285 @ 5100 RPM. Torque: 330 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake  289°, Exhaust 298°, Overlap 71°, Intake Lift 0.409″, Exhaust Lift 0.413″. Carburetors: two 4-barrel Rochester carburetors Models: Front & Rear 7009820.  Single-breaker ignition.

More detailed information on the 1956 317 CID V-8 engines may be found in the 1956 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the sheets HERE or use the navigation on this Fact Sheet’s main page.

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: Series 27 – 122″, Series 28 – 124″.
    • Overall length: Series 27 passenger cars – 205.6″, Series 27 station wagons – 206.0″, Safari only – 206.7″, Series 28 – 212.6″.
    • Front tread: (All) 58.66″.
    • Rear tread: (All) 59.05″.
    • Tires: (passenger cars) 7.10 x 15; (station wagons 7.60 x 15, tubeless type. with Synchromesh 7.50 x 14 station wagons and Bonneville 8.50 x 14; all others 8.00 x 14.Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14 Station wagons and all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14.

Power Train Options

    • A three-speed Synchromesh gear box with column mounted shift was the base price transmission.
    • The D-56 Dual-Range Hydra-matic ($188) was available in both the 860 and 870 models.
    • A new Strato-Flight Hydra-matic ($205) was used in two-door Star Chief Custom Safaris and all Series 28 models.
    • Standard rear axle gear ratios: (Synchromesh) 3.64:1; (Hydra-matic) 3.23:1. Additional ratios were also available.
    • Dual exhausts were optional o all Pontiacs except the Chieftain 860 three seat station wagon where it was not available.
    • Cars with the “Extra Horsepower” V-8 had dual exhaust as standard.
    • Four-barrel carburetion “Star Chief Engine” was optional for Chieftain 860 and 870 models, as was the Extra Horsepower V-8.

Power Trains

Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios:  1st – 2.39:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.53:1

Hydra-matic Ratios:

    • Series 27 Optional: 1st – 4.10:1, 2nd – 2.63:1, 3rd – 1.56:1, 4th – 1:1,  Reverse – 4.62:1
    • All Series Standard: 1st – 3.97:1, 2nd – 2.55:1, 3rd – 1.55:1, 4th – 1:1,  Reverse – 4.31:1

Rear Gear Standard Ratios: See Page 15 in the 1956 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios. Click HERE to view the AMA Specification Sheets

Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1956 Pontiac

  A Raven Black
  B Chesapeake Blue
  C Olympic Blue
  D Amethyst
  E Phantom Gray
  F Grenada Gold
  G Bolero Red
  H Hialeah Green
  I Malabar Yellow
  J Vista Blue
  K Nimbus Gray
  L Glendale Green
  M Terragon Green
  N Sandalwood Tan
  O Kerry Green
  P Sun Beige
  Q Catalina Blue
  R Camellia
  S Sandalwood Tan
  T Sun Beige
  U Marina Blue
  V Avalon Blue
  W Sun Beige
  X Rodeo Beige
  Y Rodeo Beige
  Z Lilac
  P,W Sun Beige

1956 Pontiac –
Current Market Values

 

Significant Options

    • 4-Way manual seat ($40).
    • 6-Way power seat ($93).
    • Air-conditioning ($431).
    • Arctic windshield wipers.
    • Autronic Eye.
    • Comfort-Control
    • Dash panel courtesy lamps.
    • DeLuxe steering wheel for Special station wagons.
    • Directional signals.
    • Door edge guards.
    • Door handle guards.
    • Electric antenna.
    • Electric window lifts.
    • Fender skirts ($11).
    • Glove box lamp.
    • Grille bug screen.
    • Lighted ash tray.
    • Padded dashboard.
    • Power brakes ($38).
    • Power steering ($108).
    • Power windows ($97).
    • Radio, Standard ($90)
    • Radio, deluxe ($118)
    • Rear seat speaker.
    • Reduced ratio power steering.
    • Remote control outside mirrors.
    • Safety spot lamp.
    • Seat belts ($11 per passenger)
    • Trunk lamp.
    • Under hood lamp.
    • Visor vanity mirror.
    • Windshield washers.

Related Document
Downloads

Files directly related to the 1956 Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:

Related Images

Related Images to the 1956 Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below

1956 Pontiac Full Line Deluxe Brochure

1956 Pontiac Full Line Regular Brochure

1956 Pontiac Portrait Size Print Ads

1956 Pontiac Landscape Size Print Ads

1956 Pontiac AMA Specifications Sheets

1956 Pontiac Star Chief Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine 

1956 Pontiac Production Figures

1956 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible

The Pontiac Star Chief convertible was the price leader in the upscale line at a $2,853 base price. But the convertible came with many items standard that were optional in others. 13,510 were delivered.

1956 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door Catalina

The 1956 Pontiac Star Chief Catalina 4-door hardtop was as good looking as the 2-door – and it sold better, too, with 48,035 delivered!

1956 Pontiac Star Chief 2-door Catalina

The 1956 Star Chief 2-door Catalina hardtop was slick and popular and as such, 43,392 were sold.

1956 Pontiac Star Chief Safari wagon

The 1956 Pontiac Star Chief Safari wagon was the highest priced Pontiac at $3,124 base price. It was not classed as a Star Chief, but identified in the series 27 line due to its shorter 122″ wheelbase. However, its interior and exterior trim and power plant was that of a senior Series 28. 4,042 were delivered – with most stickering at over $3,600 with options.

1956 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door sedan

The 1956 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door sedan was a solid offering with 18,346 leaving the showroom.

1956 Pontiac 870 4-door Catalina

In 1956, all lines had 2- and 4-door hardtop models. This mid-range Pontiac 870 4-door hardtop sold 25,372 units.

1956 Pontiac 870 2-door Catalina

Not to be outdone, the Pontiac 870 2-door hardtop ran a close second to the 4-door in sales at 24,744.

1956 Pontiac 870 4-door sedan

The 1956 Pontiac 870 4-door sedan was the least expensive in the line at $2,409, yet it was third in sales for that group, with 22,072 delivered.

1956 Pontiac 870 4-door wagon

The Pontiac 870 4-door wagon was the most expensive in the 870 line. Even so, its 21,674 in sales was only about 350 units less than the Sedan.

1956 Pontiac 860 4-door Catalina

The 1956 Pontiac 860 4-door Catalina hardtop was stylish enough to sell 35,201 units.

1956 Pontiac 860 2-door Catalina

This 1956 Pontiac 860 2-door Catalina hardtop is shown with optional wheel covers. At 46,335 sold, it was the best-selling 860 model.

1956 Pontiac 860 4-door sedan

Safe and steady, the 1956 Pontiac 860 4-door sedan ran no. 3 in sales for that model with 41,987 sold.

1956 Pontiac 860 2-door sedan

The 1956 Pontiac 860 2-door sedan was the car picked for racing. With the “Extra Horsepower” 285 HP 317 CID V-8, it was a terror. It also sold well at 41, 908 delivered.

1956 Pontiac 860 4-door wagon

The 1956 Pontiac 860 Series 4-door wagons were popular, selling 12,702 units.

1956 Pontiac 860 2-door wagon

The 1956 Pontiac 860 Series 2 wagon was less popular than the 4-door popular, with the 2-door producing only 6,099 units.

%d bloggers like this: